Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands – Shore Diving at North Bay Island

Introduction

North Bay Island is perfect for first-time divers and those on a budget. Located just 15 minutes by boat from Port Blair, it offers convenient shore diving with easy access to beautiful coral reefs. Whether you are a seasoned underwater explorer or someone who has never worn a dive mask before, North Bay Island delivers one of the most accessible and breathtaking diving experiences in the entire Bay of Bengal.

Situated in close proximity to Ross Island, North Bay Island is a diver’s haven. With its crystal-clear underwater visibility and diverse marine population, it promises a rewarding deep-sea diving experience.

What Is Shore Diving?

Shore diving is exactly what it sounds like — you enter the water directly from the beach rather than from a boat. Shore diving in North Bay, which is located near Port Blair, lets you enter the water directly from the shore where you can enjoy the shallow coral reefs. It is an ideal activity for beginners and experienced divers as well. It offers access to vibrant marine life and coral formations without the need for a boat.

This makes it more relaxed, more affordable, and far less intimidating than boat diving — perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants to ease into the underwater world at their own pace.

The Dive Site – What to Expect Underwater

North Bay Island Port Blair is a popular spot to try shore (shallow) scuba diving. The spot offers a shallow reef lying on the shoreline of North Bay Island. The reef is enriched with rich corals, which are the home of colorful aquatic life. The top of the reef starts from 2 meters and the deepest point drops at 8 meters on the sandy bottom.

When you go underwater, a huge wall full of corals and fishes can be seen. If the visibility is clear at North Bay, you get a very good underwater image with a perfect background full of corals.

Marine Life You Can Spot

Marine life here includes clownfish (Nemo), butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, damselfish, and sergeant majors. Coral types include table corals, brain corals, and staghorn corals in shallow areas. Lionfish, yellow snappers, pufferfish, rabbitfish, lobsters, sea anemones, and hard corals are also major attractions of the reef.

The Shore Diving Experience – Step by Step

The trip starts after your arrival at North Bay Island. Upon reaching North Bay Island, a representative attends you and directs you to the changing room. Here you are provided with the scuba jackets and gears required during your dive. Once you are ready with your diving costume, you are taken to shallow waters by the shore to give some basic training about scuba diving and how to use the scuba gears. Basic signs are taught and instructions are given before your diving begins. As you get comfortable with the gears and signs, the dive proceeds forward to higher depths.

Once you are set with the safety gears and well-versed with the do’s and don’ts, you proceed for the shore dive with the dive instructor. The dive lasts for around 40 minutes while you explore the best of views underwater.

Typically, your scuba diving package includes all equipment, instruction, a guide, images, and movies.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: North Bay Island (Coral Island), Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Distance from Port Blair: Just 15 minutes by boat from Port Blair
• Depth: Reef top starts at 2 meters; deepest point at 8 meters on the sandy bottom
• Dive Duration: Total session approximately 45 minutes including training; actual underwater time 20–25 minutes
• Reporting Time: Report at the North Bay jetty anytime between 9 AM to 3 PM
• Price: Shore dive at North Bay Beach starts from ₹3,500
• Age: Open to ages 8 and above
• Swimming ability required: None — no prior experience or swimming skills are required
• Certification: PADI/SSI-certified instructors ensure safety